Dane County, Waunakee, Westport to Buy Key Parcel in North Mendota Resource Area

November 08, 2006
Joanne Haas, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

A 10-acre parcel key to enhancing public enjoyment of the future North Mendota Trail and to keeping area waters healthy will be purchased under a cooperative agreement involving Dane County and the communities of Waunakee and Westport. “This smart land purchase is possible due to teamwork and forward-thinking leaders in Waunakee and Westport who joined efforts with our Dane County leaders,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. “This acquisition improves parkland, public access and water.” The 10-acre parcel is in the North Mendota Natural Resource Area, formerly known as the Six Mile Creek Natural Resource Area. The parcel will serve as a link for the North Mendota Trail, which will run from Schumacher Farm County Park in the town of Westport on Highway 19 through Governor Nelson State Park on County Trunk Highway M, and to Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Six Mile Creek is a Dane County priority stream that runs through the property. “The purchase of this stretch will ensure the public will have easy access to enjoy the protected natural resources in what has become a rapidly growing region in Dane County,” Falk said. “The North Mendota area’s popularity is easy to understand in light of the outdoor gems which make this area so special – and so important to take steps now to keep them that way.” The land, owned by John and Amy Bolz, is appraised at $360,000. The Village of Waunakee and Town of Westport will contribute $150,000 toward the purchase under the agreement, which also calls for use of Conservation Fund dollars. The property is part of a large open space community separation area planned by the Town and Village. The agreement also enables Westport and Waunakee to use a 20-foot corridor of highway right-of-way for safety improvements for Mill Road and Woodland Drive. Dane County also has negotiated the acquisition of 3,000 feet of constructed trail along the North Mendota Trail corridor from Donald and JoAnne Tierney. This property also is a link for the future North Mendota Trail between Schumacher Farm County Park and Governor Nelson State Park. The Tierney family has agreed to sell the land for an appraised value of $228,000. The county will use the Conservation Fund for the acquisition. Both land purchases are expected to be approved this month by the Dane County Board, as well as Westport and Waunakee boards. # # #